8 Famous Actors Who Were Almost In Doctor Who

By Dan Butler / March 16, 2015

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2jocru_8-famous-actors-who-were-almost-in-doctor-who_tv Doctor Who has been lighting up our screens since 1963 and, throughout its half a century in operation, it's firmly established itself as a formidable force to be reckoned with. As one of the most successful and widely discussed franchises in history, it's no surprise that even the likes of Hollywood actors have been known to hotly pursue a guest stint in the series and the opportunity to share the screen with a 2,000 year old alien is a prestigious accolade to say the least. In fact, the producers make no secret of the fact that they're actively seeking the industry's biggest names in the hope that they'll concede to leave their reputable marks on the ongoing extra terrestrial escapades of TV's favourite Time Lord. After all, if you don't ask, you don't get! Sometimes, their persistence pays off. In recent years, for example, the world's greatest sci-fi programme has played host to such illustrious icons as Sir Michael Gambon and Sir John Hurt (for both, the clue is in the 'Sir'!), and even the Oscar nominated Imelda Staunton was so eager to add Doctor Who to her unrivalled résumé that she agreed to voice a character and not actually appear on screen. Usually, though, the show's efforts to sign the most distinguished stars are unfortunately in vein. Here are 8 famous actors who were almost in Doctor Who, including two that have actually been in it - *ahem* - but were originally in the running for different roles entirely...